2009 Archived Press Releases

McKee’s Seasons Club co-sponsors talk on long term care planning
LOVELAND, Colo. (Oct. 22, 2009) –McKee Medical Center’s Seasons Club is hosting three professionals who will speak about new ideas related to planning and paying for long term care.

Mag-a-Difference campaign
PHOENIX (Dec. 29, 2009) - Banner Health Foundation, the organization responsible for generating philanthropic support for Banner Health, has once again expanded its fundraising reach with the “Mag-A-Difference” subscription campaign to support care programs at Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa, Ariz.

Banner Estrella Medical Center lifts flu-based visitor restrictions
PHOENIX (Dec. 29, 2009) – Because risk of H1N1 and seasonal flu transmission has subsided, Banner Estrella Medical Center will again allow children ages 12 and under into patient care areas within the hospital.

Heart expert shares keys to a healthy heart at free event Jan. 13
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Dec. 28, 2009) – Learn the keys to maintaining a healthy heart at a free seminar from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13 in the Auditorium of the Sun Dial Recreation Center, 14801 N 103rd Ave. in Sun City. “Diet and Exercise: Keys to a Healthy Heart” will be presented by cardiologist Gabor Jilly, MD. The seminar also will feature heart health information from the Heart Center at Banner Boswell Medical Center.

East Morgan County Hospital lifts visitor restrictions
BRUSH, Colo. (Dec. 23, 2009) – East Morgan County Hospital will now allow children ages 12 and under in patient care areas at the hospital.

McKee Medical Center lifts visitor restrictions for children 12 and under
LOVELAND, Colo. (Dec. 22, 2009) – McKee Medical Center will now allow children ages 12 and under who do not have flu-like symptoms to visit patient care areas in the hospital and other McKee facilities.

NCMC lifts visitor restrictions for children 12 and under
GREELEY, Colo. (Dec. 22, 2009) — North Colorado Medical Center will now allow children ages 12 and under in patient care areas in the hospital and other NCMC facilities.

Banner Health to lift visitor restriction policy
PHOENIX (Dec. 22, 2009) – Banner Health has lifted its flu-related visitation policy, which means children ages 12 and under may be allowed in patient care areas at Banner Health hospitals.

McKee Medical Center employees fill two pickups in food drive
LOVELAND, Colo. (Dec. 22, 2009) – A friendly competition among departments at McKee Medical Center resulted in a donation of 3,208 items to Loveland’s House of Neighborly Service on Tuesday.

Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center Outpatient Infusion Center move
SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. (Dec. 18, 2009) – Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center’s Outpatient Infusion Services and Pain Center has moved from its current location in the Banner Del E. Webb Medical Plaza, on Granite Valley Drive, to inside the hospital at 14502 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West. The services are now located on the second floor of the C Tower.

McKee Medical Center employees earn certifications in various fields
LOVELAND, Colo. (Dec. 18, 2009) –Several McKee Medical Center employees have earned certifications for their respective fields including diabetes education, sterile processing for surgical services and volunteer leadership.

Torrington Hospitalist Program
TORRINGTON, Wyo. (Dec. 17, 2009) - Imagine your perfect stay at the hospital. Is it having a physician who visits you multiple times a day? Is it having a doctor whoi is easily accessible whenever you need them? Imagine your perfect visit to see your physician in their office. Would it be without the interruptions that occur when your physician gets called to the hospital? Community Hospital is excited to be able to improve the quality of care as they begin a new hospitalist program on January 1.

Banner Health names Rhonda Anderson as new CEO of Cardon Children's Medical Center
MESA, Ariz. (Dec. 16, 2009) -- Banner Health has named Rhonda Anderson, RN, a health care executive with decades of leadership experience, to the position of chief executive officer of Cardon Children’s Medical Center.

Banner Health a Best Place to Work
PHOENIX (Dec. 15, 2009) – Banner Health, one of the state’s largest employers, is also one of the state’s best places to work.

Ogallala Community Hospital developing Culture of Safety
OGALLALA, Neb. (Dec. 14, 2009)--Since a landmark 1999 federal report that as many as 98,000 people die each year in hospitals because of medical errors, Nebraska hospitals, including Ogallala Community Hospital, have worked to develop a culture of safety at their facilities.

Telephone Reassurance
SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. (Dec. 9, 2009) -- Not too long ago, Grace Heston walked into the Volunteer Services office at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, 14502 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West, looking for her lifeline – a woman named Arlene Weatherton. The two felt as if they were old friends, but had never actually met even though they speak with each other by phone at least once a week. In fact, Weatherton and her colleagues who answer the Telephone Reassurance phone lines at the nonprofit medical center chat with more than 100 people each morning.

Banner Health names Schock new McKee Medical Center CEO
LOVELAND, Colo. (Dec. 7, 2009) – Marilyn Schock, former associate administrator at McKee Medical Center, will now serve as the hospital’s chief executive officer.

Walt Clark Middle School wins McKee’s Turkey Trot challenge
LOVELAND, Colo. (Dec. 3, 2009) – Students at Walt Clark Middle School will benefit from a $250 grant the school received after winning the McKee Medical Center Foundation’s Turkey Trot Middle School Challenge.

NCMC plans additional community H1N1 vaccination clinics
GREELEY, Colo. (Dec. 3, 2009) — North Colorado Medical Center Community Wellness has expanded the number of H1N1 vaccination clinics for the public. Vaccinations are available for all Weld County residents age 4 and older

Banner Boswell donates 750 volunteer uniforms to Afghani hospital
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Dec. 3, 2009) – Volunteers at Banner Boswell Medical Center recently donated more than 750 former uniforms to CURE International Hospital of Kabul in Afghanistan. The uniforms will be used by staff at CURE International.

Knox named CFO of Banner Medical Group
PHOENIX (Dec. 2, 2009) -- Robert “Bob” Knox has been named the first chief financial officer of Banner Medical Group. He will begin his role at Banner on Jan. 4, 2010.

Mothers to be alcohol free
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Dec. 1, 2009) – Physicians at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center are stirring things up by stepping behind the bar at McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon to raise awareness of the importance of mom’s-to- be staying alcohol free during the holidays – and always.

M. D. Anderson Banner Cancer Center breaks ground
GILBERT, Ariz. (Dec. 1, 2009) – Leaders from Banner Health and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center will officially break ground on the M. D. Anderson Banner Cancer Center today. An event to mark this occasion will take place at 11 a.m. on the campus of Banner Gateway Medical Center, 1900 N. Higley Road at U. S. 60 and Higley, Gilbert, Ariz., the future home of the cancer center.

Cardon Children's offers holiday safety tips
MESA, Ariz. (Dec. 1, 2009) -- The holidays are a fun time to spend with friends and family, but they can also present some unique concerns when it comes to kids' safety.

NCMC schedules more community H1N1 vaccination clinics
GREELEY, Colo. (Nov. 30, 2009) — North Colorado Medical Center Community Wellness will offer H1N1 vaccinations to members of the public who meet certain criteria during four additional clinics scheduled this week.

Loveland Turkey Trot breaks record for attendance
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 30, 2009) - The Loveland Turkey Trot 5K run/walk was held Thanksgiving morning at McKee Medical Center. Mild morning temperatures made for great running weather for the more than 1,600 participants and over 100 volunteers – the most ever for this annual event.

NCMC plans H1N1 vaccination clinics beginning Wednesday
GREELEY, Colo. (Nov. 17, 2009) — North Colorado Medical Center Community Wellness will offer H1N1 vaccinations to members of the public who meet certain criteria during five clinics scheduled this month.

Banner Health to go tobacco free at all of its facilities
PHOENIX (Nov. 13, 2009) – Effective Jan.1, 2010, all Banner Health facilities will become tobacco free.

Gala Raises More Than $62,500 for Banner Simulation System at McKee
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 11, 2009) – McKee Presents…A Loveland Celebration, formerly Evergreen Evening, presented by The Friends of the Hospital, with major sponsorship provided by Home State Bank, was held Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland.

McKee Medical Center adds eICU® for added care to ICU patients
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 11, 2009) – McKee Medical Center this month became the third Banner Health hospital in northern Colorado to implement eICU®, a remote monitoring system that provides an advanced and additional layer of care for the hospitalized patients in the Intensive Care Unit.

McKee Medical Center announces additional seasonal flu shot clinic
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 11 ,2009) – McKee Medical Center Wellness Services will offer a seasonal flu shot clinic Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the McKee Conference and Wellness Center, 2000 Boise Ave.

McKee Medical Center hosts public talk on knee pain, joint replacement
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 9, 2009) – Find answers to questions you have about knee pain and treatment options at an upcoming presentation at McKee Medical Center.

Banner Churchill names new CEO
FALLON, Nev. (Nov. 9, 2009) – A hospital executive with extensive health care experience has been named Banner Churchill Community Hospital’s new chief executive officer.

Banner Good Samaritan Stroke Care program awarded certification
PHOENIX (Nov. 9, 2009) — In a busy hospital where an emphasis is placed on patients getting plenty of rest during their stay, the few overhead announcements – “Trauma Team,” “Rapid Response Team,” “Code Blue” – call attention to serious medical alerts. Since April 2009, a new call, “Stroke Team,” has alerted emergency providers that Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center is serious about the care and treatment of stroke.

Banner Good Samaritan first in the Valley to perform operation that treats chronic blood clots in lungs
PHOENIX (Nov. 6, 2009) – Pulmonologists and cardiothoracic surgeons at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center performed the hospital’s first pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) on Thursday, Nov. 5.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to dedicate Cardon Children's Medical Center
MESA, Ariz. (Nov. 6, 2009) – Arizona Governor Jan Brewer will dedicate the Valley’s newest medical facility, Cardon Children’s Medical Center, in a ceremony Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.

Banner Boswell offers Alzheimer's seminar Nov. 20
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Nov. 5, 2009) – Banner Boswell Medical Center invites the community to a free seminar on Alzheimer’s disease Friday, Nov. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Volunteer Services Activity room on the hospital’s first floor, 10401 W. Thunderbird Blvd. in Sun City. The event is part of the Life Enrichment series sponsored by Banner Boswell’s Volunteer Services department. Call (623) 876-5387 to reserve your seat.

McKee Medical Center Foundation event reviews identity theft safeguards
LOVELAND, Colo. (Nov. 5, 2009) – Explore the latest information on identity theft, financial scams and other issues identified by the State of Colorado Attorney General’s office at a seminar Nov. 11 at McKee Medical Center.

Banner Boswell offers tips on healthy holiday eating
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Nov. 4, 2009) – Learn how to stick to a healthy diet during the holidays without sacrificing the flavor and fun of the season at a free seminar on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rio Vista Recreation Center in Peoria, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, inside Rio Vista Community Park. Pre-register by calling (623) 773-8600.

Page Hospital Nurse Awarded for Volunteerism
Page, Ariz. (Nov. 3, 2009) – Melisa Serventi, Registered Nurse at Page Hospital, was honored with the Paul L. Singer award for community service during a ceremony at Banner Health in Phoenix this week.

Ogallala RN honored with Caring Kind Award
LINCOLN, Neb. (Nov. 2, 2009)—For 30 years, the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) has paid tribute to Nebraska's most caring hospital workers with the Caring Kind award. Sandy Deckert, RN, of Banner Health Ogallala Medical Group was one of the 72 people honored at the 30th Anniversary of the Caring Kind Awards Luncheon held on Oct.16 at The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel.

Banner Sun Health Research Institute to host free screenings of HBO Alzheimers documentary
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Nov. 2, 2009) – In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Banner Sun Health Research Institute invites the community to a series of special screenings featuring the four-part documentary film from HBO, "The Alzheimer's Project''. The weekly screenings will take place Monday Nov. 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Banner Sun Health Research Institute, 10515 W. Santa Fe Dr. in Sun City. Admission is free.

McKee Medical Center facilities director recognized by national association
LOVELAND, Colo. (Oct. 29, 2009) –Jim Revis, McKee Medical Center’s director of facilities services, has earned the designation of Certified Healthcare Facility Manager by the American Hospital Association.

Acid Reflux the November Lobby Lecture
BRUSH (Oct. 29, 2009) – Your stomach feels hot and there is a burning sensation in your throat. Need relief from heartburn or is it acid reflux? The East Morgan County Hospital surgeons, Thomas Bryant, MD, Lawrence Schoelkopf, MD, invite area residents to join them Nov. 12 for the next Lobby Lecture Series topic: Acid Reflux.

McKee Medical Center offers lower dose radiation for medical imaging
LOVELAND, Colo. (Oct. 29, 2009) – McKee Medical Center has invested in an advanced diagnostic medical imaging system that helps physicians reach confident diagnoses and reduces radiation dose to patients by up to 40 percent.

Banner Boswell hosts cardiac surgery lecture Nov. 18
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Oct. 27, 2009) – Join cardiovascular surgeon Rajeev Kathuria, MD, for “Healing Your Heart: Advances in Cardiac Surgery,” a free presentation at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. The event will be conducted in Memorial Hall of Banner Boswell’s Support Services Bldg., 13180 N. 103rd Drive, in Sun City. Call (602) 230-CARE (2273) to register.

Banner Boswell Joint Club open house Nov. 9
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Oct. 27, 2009) – Considering a joint replacement? Wondering what your options are? Banner Boswell Medical Center invites you to a free open house of the Joint Club at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9. The Joint Club is a special unit dedicated to the care of patients undergoing total knee or total hip replacements. Patients recover in the golf-themed Joint Club unit in an environment that emphasizes wellness, socialization, and maximizes patient recovery efforts.

McKee Medical Center Turkey Trot issues middle school challenge
LOVELAND, Colo. (Oct. 26, 2009) – The Loveland or Berthoud middle school that has the most participants in the 2009 Turkey Trot at McKee Medical Center is in for an early Christmas present: a $250 grant courtesy of the McKee Medical Center Foundation.

Plan to attend Banner Occupational Health Services open house
GREELEY, Colo. (Oct. 26, 2009) – Banner Occupational Health Services invites the public to visit the new location of the clinic at 1517 16th Ave. Court next to North Colorado Medical Center.

How to keep your flu from haunting Halloween
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Oct. 21, 2009) – Banner Thunderbird Medical Center experts say one Halloween safety tip rises to the top this year with the onset of flu season: Wash those little hands before digging into candy!

Cardon Children's hosts Twitter Chat on Oct. 21
MESA, Ariz. (Oct. 20, 2009) – Cardon Children’s Medical Center will host a live Twitter discussion with Hunt Udall, MD, a pediatric orthopedist who specializes in sports medicine.

Save the Date for Banner Thunderbird 10th Annual Safety Fair
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Oct. 17, 2009) – Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, in partnership with the Glendale and Peoria Fire and Police departments, is gearing up for the 10th annual Children’s Safety Fair.

Banner Thunderbird Level III NICU turns 1
GLENDALE, Ariz., (Oct. 17, 2009) - This month Banner Thunderbird celebrates one year as a Level III NICU after the Arizona Perinatal Trust granted the facility its highest designation allowing Banner Thunderbird to take care of premature babies of all ages.

Torrington Quality Award
TORRINGTON, Wyo. (Oct. 12, 2009) --Banner Health Community Hospital received the 2009 Mountain-Pacific Quality Achievement Award on October 1, 2009, in Sheridan. Banner Health Community Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Brenda L. Sturm, accepted the award. The award is given to hospitals by Mountain-Pacific, at an awards luncheon which took place during the annual conference of the Wyoming Hospital Association.

Cornue announces resignation as McKee Medical Center CEO
LOVELAND, Colo. (Oct. 15, 2009) – Christopher M. Cornue announced his resignation this week as chief executive officer of McKee Medical Center. His final day will be Friday, Oct. 23.

Banner Boswell and Banner Thunderbird host dance event Oct. 24
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Oct. 13, 2009) – Banner Boswell and Banner Thunderbird medical centers invite Northwest Valley residents to kick up their heels to hip hop or sashay Latin style at a free family event on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866-A W. Thunderbird Road in Peoria.

Manicures Massages and Mammograms
BRUSH, Colo. (Oct. 9, 2009) – East Morgan County Hospital is excited to bring you a fun, relaxing event that will also help you monitor your breast health. Women can experience a day of pampering with free massages and free manicures. Most importantly, we will be offering digital mammogram screenings.

Deadline extended for Banner Thunderbird charity golf tournament
GLENDALE, Ariz. – (Oct. 9, 2009) – Non-profit Banner Thunderbird Medical Center is seeking players and sponsors for its annual Charity Golf Classic on Nov.16.

Banner Boswell offers free breast health lecture Oct. 27
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Oct. 8, 2009) – Learn about the latest advancements in breast cancer imaging technologies at a free seminar on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rio Vista Recreation Center in Peoria, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, inside Rio Vista Community Park. Pre-register by calling (623) 773-8600.

Banner Boswell blood drive Nov. 5
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Oct. 6, 2009) – Banner Boswell Medical Center will host a blood drive from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 in Memorial Hall on the first floor of the Support Services building, 13180 N. 103rd Dr., Sun City.

Mitt Romney visits Cardon Childrens Medical Center
MESA, Ariz. (Oct. 1, 2009) -- Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's toured the new home of Cardon Children's Medical Center.

Banner Boswell assumes operations of Sun City Cardiac Center
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Oct. 1, 2009) – Nonprofit Banner Boswell Medical Center has assumed operations of one of the Valley’s premier cardiac catheterization lab services.

Banner Thunderbird offers safe haven for pregnant women
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Oct. 1, 2009) – There may be a variety of reasons why women may not be able to keep or care for their baby. But Banner Thunderbird Medical Center wants to remind people about an Arizona law allowing people to voluntarily leave an infant with a “Safe Haven Provider.” Non profit Banner Thunderbird is a Safe Haven Provider.

Support group is dedicated to serve children whose lives are touched by cancer
LOVELAND, Colo. (Sept. 29, 2009) — McKee Medical Center and Pathways Hospice begin a new series of classes in October for children ages 7 to 16 whose lives are affected by cancer.

North Colorado Medical Center Renewed as National Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence
GREELEY, Colo. (Sept. 25, 2009) -- North Colorado Medical Center announced today they have received renewal designation as a “Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence” by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Surgical Review Corporation. NCMC, a Banner Health facility, and Dr. Michael Johnell, received the designation after a thorough, detailed examination of the bariatric program components and outcomes, including an on-site survey by medical professionals.

Banner Boswell offers deep brain stimulation lecture Oct. 19
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Sept. 24, 2009) – Banner Boswell Medical Center invites the community to a free public lecture on deep brain stimulation (DBS) at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19 in the hospital’s Memorial Hall, 13180 N. 103rd Dr., Sun City. Reservations are encouraged by calling (602) 230-CARE (602-230-2273). Light refreshments will be served.

Digital Mammography
SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. (Sept. 24, 2009) – The technology to detect breast cancer early just got better at the Louisa Kellam Center for Women’s Health at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, 14502 W. Meeker Blvd., in Sun City West. State-of-the-art digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography, is now available at the nonprofit hospital.

McKee Medical Center implements new visitor guidelines for flu season
LOVELAND, Colo. (Sept. 22, 2009) — Beginning today, McKee Medical Center is implementing new visitor restrictions as an additional precautionary measure to ensure a safe environment for patients, and to protect patients, visitors and employees during the influenza season.

H1N1 Info at Banner Del E. Webb
SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. (Sept. 23, 2009) -- Join us as a panel of experts from Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center separates fact from fiction by providing the latest information about the H1N1 flu virus during an interactive presentation that will provide our community with an opportunity to get all of their questions answered about H1N1.

Breast Cancer Ask the Expert
PHOENIX (Sept. 23, 2009) -- On Monday, Oct. 19th, from 10:30 a.m. to noon., three leading experts from M. D. Anderson will provide the most current information on breast cancer in a panel presentation at the Hilton Phoenix East/Mesa, 1011 W. Holmes in Mesa.

Cardon Children's to host Twitter Tour
MESA, Ariz. (Sept. 21, 2009) – Cardon Children’s Medical Center will host a live walk-through of the brand new facility via Twitter on Friday, Sept. 25.

Sonora Quest receives community award
PHOENIX (Sept. 18, 2009) – LSA/Sonora Quest Laboratories has been awarded the 2009 Arizona Community Impact Award by the Arizona Corporate Excellence (ACE) board.

H1N1 When to visit the doctor
BRUSH, Colo. (Sept. 18, 2009) – Now that H1N1 flu seems to be affecting more Morgan County residents, we want to help you decide when the time is right to seek help, whether it’s a call to the doctor, a visit to urgent care or truly an emergency that should be cared for at the hospital.

East Morgan County Hospital Celebrates Natl Rehab Week
BRUSH, Colo. (Sept. 18, 2009) – The East Morgan County Hospital Rehabilitation department will be celebrating National Rehabilitation Awareness the week of Sept. 21-25. This year’s theme is “Rehab: The Power to Change Lives.” This theme draws focus on the satisfaction that rehabilitation professionals gain from assisting and helping others improve their quality of life.

Banner Gateway celebrates second birthday
GILBERT, Ariz. (Sept. 18, 2009) –Banner Gateway Medical Center at US 60 and Higley Road in Gilbert will celebrate its second birthday on Sept. 18, 2009.

Cardon Children's hosts reunion for neonatal patients, families
MESA, Ariz. (Sept. 17, 2009) – More than 600 former Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients and families are expected to return to Cardon Children’s Medical Center for a reunion with doctors, nurses and old friends.

McKee Medical Center donates life-saving equipment to area schools
LOVELAND, Colo. (Sept. 15, 2009) – McKee Emergency Department physician Scott Sundheim hopes the hospital’s gift to Thompson School District goes unused for a long time.

The Joint Commission approves accreditation for McKee Medical Center
LOVELAND, Colo. (Sept. 14, 2009) – McKee Medical Center has received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™, an honor reserved for hospitals that receive accreditation from the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

New cardiologists join North Colorado Medical Center
GREELEY, Colo. (Sept. 14, 2009) – The CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado welcomes three new physicians.

Banner Heart Hospital named first accredited Heart Failure Institute in Arizona
MESA, Ariz. (Sept. 14, 2009) – Nationally recognized for its quality and service, Banner Heart Hospital, in partnership with Tri-City Cardiology, Banner Home Care & Banner Hospice today was named the first Accredited Heart Failure Institute in Arizona.

Advanced Wheelchairs Skills Clinic returns to Banner Good Samaritan
PHOENIX (Sept. 11, 2009) — People who use wheelchairs are invited to attend a series of free clinics to improve wheelchair skills at the Banner Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Institute in Phoenix. The clinics will run four consecutive Wednesday afternoons in October and are divided into four modules that may be taken together or individually.

McKee Medical Center plans panel to discuss prostate cancer treatments
LOVELAND, Colo. (Sept. 10, 2009) – September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Three local physicians will discuss the latest treatments for men diagnosed with prostate cancer – an illness that affects one man in six during his lifetime.

Banner Health creates new research area
PHOENIX (Sept. 10, 2009) -- Today Banner Health announced that it will merge all of its research activities into a single area of the health system that will strategically direct how research is conducted, managed, monitored and published.

Banner Thunderbird keeps it real with health information for teens
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Sept. 10, 2009) – Parents of teens often struggle through important discussions about sex, drugs, eating disorders and depression. But experts from Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Women and Infant Services department and Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center are here to help.

Robotic surgery at McKee combines high tech with excellent patient care
LOVELAND, Colo. (Sept. 9, 2009) – McKee Medical Center announces the addition of the daVinci® Surgical System to offer robotic minimally invasive surgery. Loveland obstetrician and gynecologist John Crane, MD, performed the hospital’s first robotic surgery Sept. 4.

EMCH implements new visitor guidelines for flu season
BRUSH, Colo (Sept 5, 2009) — East Morgan County Hospital has announced that it is implementing new visitor restrictions as an additional precautionary measure to ensure a safe environment for patients and protect patients, visitors and employees during the influenza season.

NCMC Bloodmobile tours available at United Way ‘Palooza in the Park’
GREELEY, Colo. (Sept. 3, 2009) —North Colorado Medical Center’s Bloodmobile will be open for tours during Palooza in the Park – the United Way of Weld County’s community campaign kickoff – on Friday, Sept. 11. Tours will be available from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in Lincoln Park in downtown Greeley.

NCMC implements new visitor guidelines for flu season
GREELEY, Colo. (Sept. 3, 2009) —North Colorado Medical Center has announced that it is implementing new visitor restrictions as an additional precautionary measure to ensure a safe environment for patients and protect patients, visitors and employees during the influenza season.

Free prostate screenings at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
GLENDALE, Ariz. – (Sept. 2, 2009) – In Arizona prostate cancer kills one man every 15 hours. Banner Thunderbird Medical Center is partnering with the Southwest Prostate Cancer Foundation to offer free prostate cancer screenings and a car show to bring men out to help prevent this deadly disease.

Banner Thunderbird Presents I Can Cope for Cancer Patients
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Sept. 2, 2009) – Cancer diagnosis may be one of the most difficult things people face during their lifetime, whether it is personally or the diagnosis of a loved one. But Banner Thunderbird Medical Center has a program to help people cope with cancer and the issues surrounding it.

Banner Lassen receives Joint Commission accreditation
SUSANVILLE, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2009) -- By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission‘s national standards for health care quality and safety, Banner Lassen Medical Center has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™.

McKee Medical Center offers class to educate and help prevent falls
LOVELAND, Colo. (Aug. 20, 2009) –McKee Medical Center is offering a new program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults.

Banner Health to suspend H1N1 rapid tests
PHOENIX (Aug. 17, 2009)—Banner Health hospitals in Arizona will no longer provide the one-hour Rapid Response H1N1 test for patients.

Blood Drive Scheduled for Sept 2
BRUSH, Colo. (Aug. 13, 2009) – East Morgan County Hospital will be holding a blood drive on Sept. 2 at the hospital.

Alzheimers clinical trial
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Aug. 13, 2009) – Banner Sun Health Research Institute today announced it has begun enrolling patients with Alzheimer’s disease in the CONCERT study, a new clinical trial that will test the efficacy of a unique investigational drug, dimebon (latrepirdine)*, in patients currently taking Aricept® (donepezil HCI tablets), the leading Alzheimer’s disease medication worldwide.

Banner Lassen hires hospitalist group
SUSANVILLE, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2009) -- Banner Lassen Medical Center has joined with Rural Physicians Group out of Las Vegas, Nev. to provide a new inpatient physician service to the residents of Northeastern California.

Banner Heart Hospital names new Chief Nursing Officer
MESA, Ariz. (Aug. 6, 2009) – Banner Heart Hospital has named Paula Durston as its new chief nursing officer, effective Aug. 24.

Banner Baywood welcomes 2 new neurologists
MESA, Ariz. (Aug. 6, 2009) – Banner Baywood Medical Center welcomes two new neurologists who will take the lead in the hospital’s nationally certified stroke program.

Banner Thunderbird opens new Maternal Fetal Medicine Center
GLENDALE, Ariz. – (Aug. 6, 2009) – Banner Thunderbird’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Center, which opened to patients Aug. 5, provides an excellent resource to the Northwest Valley’s high risk mothers.

Banner Medical Clinic new model
TORRINGTON, Wyo. (Aug. 4, 2009) - Banner Medical Clinic has been working hard to recruit providers and be able to offer a better model of care for their diabetic, hypertensive and other chronic disease patients. With the addition of Michelle Hunter, Certified Physician Assistant and Natalie Beck, Family Nurse Practitioner, the new model of care is now ready to be launched at Banner Medical Clinic.

Alzheimers Unit Admits Residents
TORRINGTON, Wyo. (July 30, 2009) - After six years of work by the Goshen County Joint Powers Board, the new Alzheimer’s Unit at Goshen Care Center has not only become a reality, but has now admitted the first group, or cohort, of residents.

Young adults benefit from lifesaving skills classes at McKee Medical Center
LOVELAND, Colo. (July 31, 2009) – Community Wellness at McKee Medical Center has created classes specifically aimed to teach young adults important lifesaving skills.

Banner Thunderbird educates parents on many benefits of breastfeeding
GLENDALE, Ariz. (July 29, 2009) – They cannot speak and barely fit into their doll like clothes, but tiny twins Ashlee and Emilee Haupt are living proof that breast milk does save lives and that is why the tiny tots are helping to spread the word about World Breastfeeding Week at non-profit Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.

Award winning chef shares secrets for a healthy school lunch
GLENDALE, Ariz. (July 28, 2009) – It’s one of the most frustrating questions parents deal with on a daily basis, ‘What can I pack for my child’s lunch that is healthy and they will actually eat?’

Banner Good Samaritan debuts new treatment for inoperable liver cancer
PHOENIX (July 27, 2009) – Interventional radiologists at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center recently became the first physicians in the U.S. to use a new image-guided interventional technique to treat liver cancer outside of a clinical trial.

Banner Health offers free online emergency guide
PHOENIX (July 21, 2009) – If you are driving in a dust storm, do you pull over or keep driving? What happens if a monsoon knocks an electrical pole into your yard? Or If your child eats a bottle full of pills?

Big Thompson Medical Group welcomes new hospitalist
LOVELAND, Colo. (July 21, 2009) – Eddie Chen, D.O., has joined Big Thompson Medical Group as a hospitalist. He will provide inpatient care as a hospitalist at McKee Medical Center.

Banner Health Western Region wins risk management award
BRUSH, Colo. (July 16, 2009) – Banner Health’s director of Risk Management for the Western Region, Lynn Runyan, was recently named “National Risk Management Professional of the Year” by the National Association of Insurance Women.

North Colorado Medical Center recognized for heart and stroke care
GREELEY, Colo. (July 16, 2009) – North Colorado Medical Center has been recognized for achievement in using evidence-based guidelines to provide the best possible care to patients through The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines program.

World Breasfeeding Week
SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. (July 15, 2009) Members of the Banner Del E. Webb Women's Health Education Department will be assisting women and their babies to live well by learning more about breastfeeding from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, and Thursday, Aug. 6. The educators will be at Banner Northwest Valley OB/GYN, 14418 W. Meeker Blvd., and Clinica Adelante, 14300 W. Granite Valley Drive, both in Sun City West, plus Advanced Care for Women, 14239 W. Bell Road, in Surprise. This free event is being offered to the community in observance of World Breastfeeding Week.

Banner Health Western Region director wins risk management award
LOVELAND/GREELEY, Colo. (July 14, 2009) – Banner Health’s director of Risk Management for the Western Region, Lynn Runyan, was recently named “National Risk Management Professional of the Year” by the National Association of Insurance Women.

Banner Health provides ouchless shots
MESA, Ariz. (July 13, 2009) – Banner Health is taking the needles and pain out of injections for kids with the introduction of the J-Tip injection delivery device at Cardon Children’s Medical Center and Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.

Banner Boswell hosts Joint Club open house July 30
SUN CITY, Ariz. (July 10, 2009) – Considering a joint replacement? Wondering what your options are? Banner Boswell Medical Center invites you to a free open house of the Joint Club at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 30. The Joint Club is a special unit dedicated to the care of patients undergoing total knee or total hip replacements. Patients recover in the golf-themed Joint Club unit in an environment that emphasizes wellness, socialization, and maximizes patient recovery efforts.

Banner Medical Clinic welcomes Michelle Hunter
TORRINGTON, Wyo. (July 8, 2009) - Michelle K. Hunter, physician assistant, loves her new practice at Banner Medical Clinic. After working for the last six years at an urgent care clinic in Scottsbluff, Neb., she says she is excited to be able to provide continuity of care. “I was tired of saying ‘follow up with your doctor in a week’,“ Hunter says. “I wanted to be able to say ‘follow up with me in a week’, and then be able to follow the care of my patients. I also wanted the balance of acute and chronic medicine, which I have at Banner Medical Clinic.”

Banner Medical Clinic Welcomes new family physician
TORRINGTON, Wyo. (July 8, 2009) - What brought a native of San Antonio, Texas, population 1 million, to Torrington, Wyo.? “I’ve been interested in medicine from a young age,” says Dr. Norma Cantu, a family practice physician who moved to Torrington in May to practice at Banner Medical Clinic. “My grandparents used to live in a small town and drive hundreds of miles for medical care. I always wanted to practice medicine in a small town, where you can really help people and make a difference.”

Banner Medical Clinic welcomes Natalie Beck
TORRINGTON, Wyo. (July 8, 2009) - Natalie Beck, an Upton native, has returned to Wyoming. Beck joined Banner Medical Clinic in Torrington in June as a family nurse practitioner, seeing patients four days a week.

Banner Boswell honors volunteers
SUN CITY, Ariz. (July 8, 2009) – The Volunteer Services department at Banner Boswell Medical Center has selected Art Newman as the June Volunteer of the Month and Beverly Preppernau for the month of July.

McKee golf tournament to benefit Banner Simulation System
LOVELAND, Colo. (July 8, 2009) - The McKee Masters Golf Tournament will be held Friday, Sept. 11, at Mariana Butte Golf Course in Loveland. Players will tee off for 18 holes at 8 a.m. in a scramble format.

Briarwood Golf Classic
SUN CITY WEST. Ariz. (July 7, 2009) – A golf tournament can save lives, especially when the proceeds go to purchase a $ 17,070 carbon monoxide monitor for the Intensive Care Unit of Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center. Foursomes playing in the Sun Health Auxiliary Briarwood Golf Classic will tee off at 8 a.m. Sept. 28 at Briarwood Country Club, 21200 N. 135th Ave., Sun City West, 85375.

Banner Boswell nurse reviews national nursing exam
SUN CITY, Ariz. (July 2, 2009) – Susan Levandowski, RN, a clinical manager at Banner Boswell Medical Center, never thought that a casual conversation with a patient two years ago would lead to an invitation this year to be one of six nurses in the country to sit on the national nursing board exam question review panel in Chicago.

East Morgan County Hospital offers therapy for incontinence
BRUSH, Colo. (June 30, 2009) – Incontinence, although extremely common in the United States, is one of those topics that people avoid.

Patients receive help with difficulties in swallowing
BRUSH, Colo. (June 30, 2009) – Swallowing food and liquids is not automatic for an estimated 6 to 10 million Americans. This condition is called dysphagia and can involve difficulty chewing, keeping food and liquids in the mouth, and moving food and liquids safely from the mouth to the stomach.

Poison control has new name, same services
PHOENIX (June 29, 2009) – The Banner Good Samaritan Poison and Drug Information Center's Hotline received more than 105,000 phone calls for exposures last year, including 45,370 calls for identification of drugs and drug information.

Banner Boswell hosts blood drive
SUN CITY, Ariz. (June 24, 2009) – Banner Boswell Medical Center will host a blood drive from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16 in Memorial Hall on the first floor of the Support Services building, 13180 N. 103rd Dr., Sun City.

Dahlen named CFO
PHOENIX (June 16, 2009) – Dennis Dahlen has been named chief financial officer for Banner Health, effective immediately.

Banner Heart surgeon speaks on robotic surgery
MESA, Ariz. (June 18, 2009) – Banner Heart Hospital surgeon Dr. Allen Raczkowski will give a free educational seminar in Fountain Hills to explain the benefits of the cutting-edge practice of robotic surgery.

Code STEMI available for Heart Attack Victims
BRUSH, Colo. (June 17, 2009) – This year, about 1.4 million people will suffer a heart attack. Approximately 400,000 of those heart attack victims will experience a STEMI – a complete block in blood flow to a portion of the heart. Unless steps are taken quickly to eliminate the block and restore blood flow to the heart, the patient is at a greater risk of dying or becoming debilitated.

Page Hospital Premier Award
PAGE, Ariz. (June 17, 2009) - Page Hospital honored by Premier healthcare alliance for achieving superior supply expense performance

Ouch-less shots at Banner Thunderbird
GLENDALE, Ariz. (June 4, 2009) – When Deby Campbell, RN ,at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center tells a child their shot won’t hurt a bit, she means it. Nonprofit Banner Thunderbird Medical Center is taking the needles and pain out of injections when they started using the J-Tip injection delivery devices this week in the hospital’s Pediatric Emergency department.

Baywood doctor honored as Medical Director of the Year
MESA, Ariz. (June 4, 2009) – Frank Benes, D.O., has been recognized by TeamHealth as Medical Director of the Year for the Western region. Dr. Benes is medical director at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa.

Angels in Training at Banner Thunderbird
GLENDALE, Ariz. (June 1, 2009) – They may not have wings or halos but four chaplain interns at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center will embark on one of the most emotional and spiritual journeys of their lives this month

McKee Medical Center Foundation plans health care discussion
LOVELAND, Colo. (May 29, 2009) – The McKee Medical Center Foundation has put together a panel of experts to discuss proposals for national health care. The event is 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, June 11 at the McKee Conference and Wellness Center.

McKee Medical Center awards health care scholarships
LOVELAND (May 29, 2009) – McKee Medical Center has announced the recipients of eight health career scholarships for adults and students for 2009. McKee funds these scholarships with contributions specifically for this purpose.

Arts Engagement Program looking for new members
PHOENIX (May 27, 2009) — The Arts Engagement Program is now enrolling community members in the early to moderate stages of the disease and their care partners for two free summer sessions.

Banner Boswell earns CT Imaging accreditation
SUN CITY, Ariz. (May 26, 2009) – Banner Boswell Medical Center’s Medical Imaging department recently received an additional accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR), this time on the hospital’s second Computed Tomography (CT) scanner.

East Morgan County Hospital Goes Tobacco Free
BRUSH, Colo. (May 22, 2009) – East Morgan County Hospital (EMCH) is taking a step toward improving the health and wellness of its employees, medical staff, patients, and their families. Beginning Monday, June 1, 2009, EMCH will become a tobacco-free campus. From that time forward, all forms of tobacco use will be prohibited within our hospital, on our hospital grounds and at all of our off-site facilities.

Banner Community Hospital breaks ground for new ED
TORRINGTON, Wyo. (May 21, 2009) -- Banner Health Community Hospital held a formal ground breaking ceremony for their new emergency department and hospital remodel project.

Banner Thunderbird opens new Emergency department
GLENDALE, Ariz. (May 22, 2009) --Banner Thunderbird Medical Center has opened its brand new state-of-the art Emergency department to patients

Getting to know you: Mesa couple welcomes quadruplets at Banner Good Samaritan
PHOENIX (May 18, 2009) – In years past, Karen and Justin Billingsley would spend the Memorial Day holiday at one of Arizona’s great lakes. This year, the Mesa couple will be spending the holiday getting to know their new family: quadruplets born at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center on Monday.

Banner Boswell announces nursing awards, celebrates employees during Hospital Week
SUN CITY, Ariz. (May 11, 2009) – Banner Boswell Medical Center announced its annual nursing awards, honoring three individuals for their commitment to excellence in patient care during National Nurses Week, May 4-8.

Banner Boswell StrokeCheck event screens more than 100 for stroke risk
SUN CITY, Ariz. (May 6, 2009) – More than 100 community members received free stroke screenings on May 5 during Banner Boswell Medical Center’s annual StrokeCheck. The ninth annual event at Banner Boswell was part of a Valleywide effort to educate the public about stroke during National Stroke Month.

M. D. Anderson Banner Cancer Center Video Announcement
PHOENIX (May 6, 2009) – Banner Health and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center announced they will create the M. D. Anderson Banner Cancer Center on the campus of Banner Gateway Medical Center. Watch video coverage about the M. D. Anderson Banner Cancer Center.

Hum named CEO
FALLON, Nev. (May 3, 2009) -- Banner Churchill Community Hospital is pleased to introduce Chief Nursing Officer Mary Hum.

Banner M. D. Anderson announce cancer center
PHOENIX (May 6, 2009) – Banner Health and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center announced they will create the M. D. Anderson Banner Cancer Center here. The initiative joins Arizona’s leading provider of health care and the nation’s leading cancer center to provide patients and their families with an unprecedented level of cancer care in Arizona.

Banner Health experts featured in Alzheimers film
PHOENIX (April 30, 2009) -- The community is invited to attend a free advance screening of "Momentum in Science,'' part of a four-part documentary film from HBO Documentary Films’ "The Alzheimer's Project'' on Thursday, May 7 at the Phoenix Convention Center. A distinguished panel of local, internationally renowned Alzheimer’s experts from Banner's Sun Health Research Institute featured in the film will participate in a discussion.

McKee Medical Center invites public to celebrate Best of the Best
LOVELAND, Colo. (April 29, 2009) – McKee Medical Center invites area residents to a community picnic from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday May 7 to celebrate Banner Health’s Best of the Best award.

McKee Wellness Services introduces Community Cooking Classes
LOVELAND, Colo. (April 27, 2009) – McKee Medical Center hopes to spice up the kitchen and teach the cooks a few new tricks with a series of cooking classes beginning June 2.

Baywood, Arizona State team up to study stroke treatment
MESA, Ariz. (April 27, 2009) - Recovering from a stroke usually requires a long therapy process, but researchers from Arizona State University and Banner Baywood Medical Center are collaborating to look for the most effective rehabilitation techniques.

McKee Foundation earns Komen grant to help women with breast cancer
LOVELAND, Colo. (April 21, 2009) – The McKee Medical Center Foundation has received $66,000 from the Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to provide breast cancer treatment for women in southern Larimer County who are uninsured or underinsured.

Banner Estrella offers free stroke check
PHOENIX (April 20, 2009) – According to the American Heart Association, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds. And every three to four minutes, someone dies of stroke. What is your personal risk for stroke? Banner Estrella will offer a free stroke check on Saturday, May 16.

Loveland Community Health Fair on track for record participation
LOVELAND, Colo. (April 14, 2009) – More than 1,615 individuals had their blood drawn in preparation for the Loveland Community Health Fair setting a record for participation in the annual event. The Loveland Community Health Fair is April 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McKee Conference and Wellness Center.

New breast health specialist joins McKee Medical Center
LOVELAND, Colo. (April 13, 2009) – Ann Dorwart, RN, brings more than 25 years of experience in caring for women’s health to the role of breast health specialist at McKee Breast Center.

Banner Del Webb Medical goes to dogs with pet parade
SUN CITY WEST (April 13, 2009) – Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center has something to howl about – its Caring Canine program has grown to a corps of about 35 dogs in preparation for an expanded program that will provide hospital-wide patient visits beginning April 20.

McKee awarded Banners Best of Best
LOVELAND, Colo. (April 13, 2009) – Banner Health has awarded McKee Medical Center Banner’s Best of the Best Award, the second consecutive year the Loveland hospital has received the honor for most outstanding performance in the health care system.

Learn Your Numbers with EMCH 9Health Fair
BRUSH Colo. (Apr. 10, 2009) – Number are important for everyone, whether it is for your job, your personal life, or your health. The 9Health Fair is an excellent way to find out what your health numbers are and how those numbers affect you. East Morgan County Hospital is pleased to partner with the 9Health Fair again this year. On Saturday, April 25, from 7 to 11, Morgan County Fairgrounds will be the place to find out what those numbers mean to you.

Banner Health announces organizational changes
PHOENIX (April 9, 2009) – Banner Health recently announced systemwide organizational changes to enhance clinical quality and operational focus. The steps are designed to transition Banner Health from a phase of significant and rapid growth to an innovation phase to achieve industry leadership. In order to accomplish this, Banner Health is changing its organizational structure to enhance clinical quality and operational focus, said Peter S. Fine, president and CEO of Banner Health.

McKee Foundation offers seminar on financial plans in a stormy economy
LOVELAND, Colo. (April 7, 2009) – Take charge of your portfolio, retirement income, estate planning and housing issues in the current economic environment. The McKee Medical Center Foundation sponsors “Your Best Response to a Turbulent Economy” on Tuesday, April 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the McKee Conference and Wellness Center, Coors Room, 2000 N. Boise Ave.

Vouchers available for those who need blood drawn for health fair
LOVELAND, Colo. (April 7, 2009) – To accommodate more individuals, organizers of the Loveland Community Health Fair have created a voucher system for people still needing to have their blood drawn for screening.

Mystery Diagnosis at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center
SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. (April 3, 2009) -- Carly Eykhout from Peoria, Ariz., lived with excruciating pain for seven years and no one knew the cause, until she arrived at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center's Emergency department where Dr. Curtis Henderson was able to figure out what was going on.

NCMC opens new Western States Burn Center
GREELEY, Colo. (April 2, 2009) — Further enhancing patient care, North Colorado Medical Center introduced its $4.9 million, new Western States Burn Center this week.

McKee Medical Center highlights National Healthcare Decisions Day
LOVELAND, Colo. (April 2, 2009) – McKee Medical Center will join other national, state and community organizations in a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance health care decision-making – an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16, 2009, as National Healthcare Decisions Day.

Banner to sponsor 11th annual cardiac care conference
PHOENIX (April 2, 2009) -- Banner Health and Gateway Community College are sponsoring the 11th Annual Cardiac Care Conference on Thursday May 7 from 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E. Cotton Center Blvd., in Phoenix.

NCMC plans media tour for Western States Burn Center opening
GREELEY, Colo. (March 30, 2009) - North Colorado Medical Center invites members of the media to attend a tour of the new Western States Burn Center and Endoscopy Center. . The tour, at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 2, will allow you to get an early look at the expanded and upgraded state-of-the-art unit.

Banner Thunderbird debuts new patient tower
GLENDALE, Ariz. (March 30, 2009) – The public is invited to a free tour of nonprofit Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s new six-story patient tower. The tours are offered during a community open house event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 25 at the hospital, 5555 W. Thunderbird Road, in Glendale.

Banner offers free emergency guide
PHOENIX (March 23, 2009) – If you are driving in a dust storm, do you pull over or keep driving? If your child eats a bottle of pills, do know what your next step should be? What happens if an electric pole gets knocked down in your yard?Banner Health is offering a free online Family Preparedness Guide to help your family.

Banner Gateway Health Fair
GILBERT, Ariz. (March 23, 2009) -- Banner Gateway Medical Center is helping to put on the Third Annual Health Summity Family Health Fair on April. It is being co-sponsored by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.

Spring comes early for Tucson couple
PHOENIX (March 20, 2009) – The arrival of the Puig quintuplets from Tucson, Ariz., this week reminds us that Spring is the time to celebrate new life. The five babies – three girls and two boys – were born at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center between 5:38 p.m. and 5:42 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, to Lorena Puig and husband, Enrique, following a 29-week pregnancy.

Brannon named CEO of Banner Medical Group
PHOENIX (March 16, 2009) -- Jim Brannon, recently the chief operating officer for the Aurora Medical Group, will become the CEO for the Banner Medical Group beginning April 1, 2009.

Banner Health workplace one of 23 best in world
PHOENIX, (March 9, 2009) -- What does Banner Health have in common with outstanding consumer brand names like Qwest, Campbell Soup, Starbucks and Marriott? All of these names are among a select group of major organizations that are recognized with the prestigious Gallup Great Workplace Award.

Consider volunteering for the Loveland Community Health Fair
LOVELAND, Colo. (March 5, 2009) – Volunteers with medical and non-medical backgrounds are needed for the 2009 Loveland Community Health Fair.

Banner Thunderbird Presents (I Can Cope)
GLENDALE, Ariz. (March 5, 2009) – On Monday, March 23, 2009, Ruthann Foth, RN, OCN, and Joyce Archuleta, BSN, Pain Management Coordinator, will present “Managing Effects of Illness and Treatment” as part of an educational series for Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s “I Can Cope” program.

First McKee Community Health Award presented at
LOVELAND, Colo. (March 4, 2009) -The annual McKee Medical Center Foundation Thank You Loveland luncheon took place Friday, Feb 27 at the McKee Conference and Wellness Center. The luncheon is an annual opportunity to honor individual and community support for McKee Medical Center

Banner Boswell patient experiences rare heart attack
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Feb. 26, 2009) - The prompt actions of a Peoria resident and the cardiovascular team at Banner Boswell’s Heart Center are why he is alive today and soon will be the focus of a national case study.

Deep Brain Stimulation at Banner Boswell
SUN CITY, Ariz. (Feb. 26, 2009) – Banner Boswell Medical Center is just one of four centers in Arizona offering deep brain stimulation, a surgical therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor.

Banner Gateway new monitoring of medical surgical patients
GILBERT, Ariz. (Feb. 25, 2009) – Banner Gateway Medical Center is the first hospital in the country to implement a state-of-the-art, remote patient monitoring care delivery model for all its medical and surgical patients.

Teen Health Fair
GLENDALE Ariz., (Feb. 25, 2009) - Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Women and Infants Services department and Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center are hosting “Get the 4-1-1 Teen Health Fair” on Saturday, April 11, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ECHO accreditation
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Feb. 25, 2009) – Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States but information provided by quality echocardiograph testing can help detect and manage many types of heart disease – often saving lives.

Seasons Club presentation explores the impacts of loss
LOVELAND, Colo. (Feb. 25, 2009) – The Seasons Club at McKee Medical Center will sponsor a program to examine how the grief experience from various types of loss can impact people differently.

Loveland’s annual health fair to focus on community needs
LOVELAND, Colo. (Feb. 25, 2009) – Organizers of the 2009 Loveland Community Health Fair say the event is an excellent resource for area residents to keep tabs on their health even in a challenging economy.

Major gift launches Parkinson’s disease Meds Connection program
PHOENIX, Ariz. (February 23, 2009) – Banner Health Foundation announced today that Sheila and Alan Fitzgerald of Gilbert, Ariz., have pledged $250,000 to initiate a pilot program at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center called Meds Connection. Meds Connection is dedicated to providing critical medications to patients with Parkinson’s disease unable to afford the treatment necessary for their condition.

East Morgan County Hospital Passes MQSA
BRUSH (February 19, 2009) – The Radiology Mammography department at East Morgan County Hospital has passed the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) State inspection for CR Digital Mammography with zero deficiencies. This is the only CR Digital Mammography unit in Morgan County.

East Morgan County Hosital 9Health Fair
BRUSH (Feb.19, 2009) – Below 100. Under 200. One hundred twenty over 80. Do you know what these numbers mean? You should. They are ideal levels for glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure. Anyone 18 and older in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska can find out more than 20 key health numbers by attending the volunteer-run 9Health Fair in Brush, April 25.

Wired for Success
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Feb. 18, 2009) – Discover how infants and toddlers learn at a free four-hour workshop sponsored by Banner Thunderbird Medical Center and The New Directions Institute.

Banner Estrella names new CMO
PHOENIX (Feb. 17, 2009) – Ken Welch, MD, has accepted the position of Chief Medical Officer at Banner Estrella Medical Center. Dr. Welch replaces former Chief Medical Officer Charlie Agee, MD, who went to a new role as chief medical officer for Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center earlier this month.

Dick Smith interim CEO of Banner Churchill
FALLON, Nev. (Feb. 16, 2009) -- Jim Ferando, Banner Health Western Region president, has announced that Richard (Dick) Smith has been named interim chief executive officer of Banner Churchill Community Hospital, effective Monday, Feb. 16.

Banner Heart breaks ground on new labs, surgery suites
MESA, Ariz. (Feb. 14, 2009) – Ideal for a national holiday that celebrates the heart, nationally recognized Banner Heart Hospital – Arizona’s largest heart program – broke ground today on a 26,000-square-foot expansion for its third floor procedural areas. The $29.8 million project is scheduled to be completed in early 2010.

Scholarship applications being accepted by McKee Medical Center
LOVELAND, Colo. (Feb. 12, 2009) – McKee Medical Center is accepting scholarship applications from adult learners in the Loveland/Berthoud area who are pursuing a career in health care.

Banner Thunderbird presents I Can Cope
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Feb. 10, 2009) – On Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, Paul Mitsuyama, MD, radiation oncologist and Joseph Volk, MD, medical oncologist, will present “Learning about Cancer and Understanding Treatment” as part of an educational series for Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s “I Can Cope” program.

Banner Baywood reaches out to pregnant teens
MESA, Ariz. (Feb. 9, 2009) – Banner Baywood Medical Center has started a program aimed at helping pregnant teenagers with free classes and assistance on navigating issues such as insurance and doctor visits.

New CEO for Community Hospital
TORRINGTON, Wyo. (Feb. 8, 2009) -- Jim Ferando, Banner Health Western Region president, has named Brenda L. Sturm, FACHE, as chief executive officer for Community Hospital in Torrington, Wyo., effective immediately. Sturm replaces Dick Smith, who has served as interim CEO for the hospital since shortly after the sudden death of CEO Mike Walsh.

Walk to leave as CEO of Banner Churchill
FALLON, Nev. (Feb. 6, 2009) -- Jim Ferrando, Banner Health Western Region president, announced that Rex Walk, FACHE, has resigned as chief executive officer of Banner Churchill Community Hospital in Fallon, Nev., effective Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, to be closer to his family.

McKee welcomes Loveland’s newest Sweethearts
LOVELAND, Colo. (Feb. 6, 2009) – Throughout the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, McKee Medical Center will present each mother who has a new baby at the hospital with a special, heartfelt gift.

McKee Medical Center Foundation forms panel for economic forecast
LOVELAND, Colo. (Jan. 30, 2009) – The McKee Medical Center Foundation has invited three local experts to discuss the economic forecast for Loveland, northern Colorado and the rest of the nation in 2009 and beyond. The panel discussion will take place 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the McKee Conference and Wellness Center.

Banner Thunderbird Childrens Safety Fair
GLENDALE, Ariz. – (Jan. 28, 2009) — Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, in partnership with the Glendale and Peoria Fire and Police departments, is gearing up for the 8th annual Children’s Safety Fair. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 at the Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria.

McKee Medical Center plans activities for American Heart Month
LOVELAND, Colo. (Jan. 27, 2009) – McKee Medical Center has organized weekly activities for the public throughout February in recognition of American Heart Month.

Las Vegas couple gives birth to quadruplets at Banner Good Samaritan
PHOENIX (Jan. 26, 2009) – A Las Vegas couple welcomed four new members to their family early Saturday morning, Jan. 24. The babies were born between 2:15 a.m. and 2:18 a.m. to Dafna Noury and husband, Eli Zohar, following a 33-week, 4-day pregnancy.*

McKee registered dietitian prepares for medical mission trip to Mexico
LOVELAND,Colo. (Jan. 19, 2009) – A registered dietitian with McKee Medical Center will accompany a group from Boulder on its annual mission trip to Mexico this month.

Banner Good Samaritan named to Top 100 Hospitals to Work For
PHOENIX (Jan. 19, 2009) – Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, one of Arizona’s largest hospitals, is also one of the nation’s “Top 100 Hospitals to Work For,” according to Nursing Professionals magazine.

Alzheimers Institute offers caregiver seminar
PHOENIX (Jan. 13, 2009) — As a caregiver of someone with a memory disorder do you need help? Attend the COMPASS (Caregivers of Memory-impaired Persons Acquiring Successful Strategies) class and learn how to begin to successfully navigate caregiving. This 90-minute program offered by Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is free of charge and includes instruction and handout materials.

Banner Gateway opens new beds
GILBERT, Ariz. (Jan. 13, 2009) –Banner Gateway Medical Center at US 60 and Higley Road in Gilbert has opened its remaining 36 beds ahead of schedule to meet the health care needs of the Southeast Valley.

Banner Estrella celebrates its fourth anniversary
PHOENIX (Jan. 12, 2009) – Banner Estrella Medical Center, located on 91st Avenue and Thomas Road will celebrate its fourth birthday on Wednesday, Jan. 14 2009. As part of our birthday festivities, the hospital will be dedicating a 12-bed stroke unit.

Community Classic Bicycle Tour registration starts now
LOVELAND, Colo. (Jan. 7, 2009) - The 22nd Annual Community Classic Bike Tour (CCBT) is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2009.